instilling fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"instilling fear" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means causing someone to feel afraid or intimidated. Example: The dictator's tactics of instilling fear among his citizens were effective in suppressing any dissent against his regime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, instilling fear can help instill respect.

The New York Times

Adams went on, "It was about instilling fear in people.

The New Yorker

It seeks to undermine them by instilling fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

The contestants are illuminated by torchlight, instilling fear.

The New York Times

"Killing candidates means instilling fear," said Hameed Fadhil, a political-science professor at Baghdad University.

The New York Times

Sadly, today it is our own government that is deliberately instilling fear and weakening the country.

The New York Times

The last four years have given police plenty of practice in instilling fear themselves.

The Guardian

For Allah is behind us supporting and protecting us while instilling fear in the hearts of our enemies".

The New Yorker

The report says torture is used routinely "as a means of instilling fear in anyone critical of the military government".

The New York Times

And the law has already achieved its aim – instilling fear and insecurity among an already traumatised female population.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"People who are taking these crime statistics out of context are instilling fear in Americans unnecessarily," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instilling fear", be mindful of the ethical implications and potential consequences of creating fear in others. Consider whether the goal justifies the means.

Common error

Avoid using "instilling fear" in contexts where it exaggerates the situation or promotes unnecessary panic. Aim for balanced and accurate language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instilling fear" functions as a gerund phrase, where "instilling" is a verb acting as a noun. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing the act of causing fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instilling fear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of causing fear in others. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a valid and usable phrase in English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals it is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, reflecting its relevance in discussions of politics, social control, and human behavior. While a generally negative term, the best practice is to use it judiciously and precisely. The phrase has various alternatives, such as "inspiring fear" or "provoking fear", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generating fear

Focuses on the creation or production of fear, rather than the act of putting it into someone.

inspiring fear

Emphasizes the emotional impact of fear, suggesting a more profound or lasting effect.

provoking fear

Highlights the act of intentionally causing fear as a reaction.

creating a climate of fear

Shifts the focus to the overall environment or atmosphere that is being fostered.

fostering a sense of dread

Replaces "fear" with "dread" and focuses on nurturing or cultivating that feeling.

spreading terror

Uses a more intense term, "terror", to indicate a higher level of fear and widespread impact.

planting seeds of apprehension

Employs a metaphorical expression to suggest a subtle or gradual instillation of fear.

intimidating the population

Focuses on the act of making the general population fearful.

coercing through intimidation

Highlights the use of fear as a means of forcing someone to do something.

establishing dominance through fear

Emphasizes the use of fear to maintain power and control.

FAQs

How can I use "instilling fear" in a sentence?

You can use "instilling fear" to describe actions or policies that cause people to feel afraid or intimidated. For example, "The government was accused of "instilling fear" in the population through its surveillance program".

What are some alternatives to "instilling fear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inspiring fear", "provoking fear", or "creating a climate of fear".

Is "instilling fear" a negative expression?

Yes, "instilling fear" generally has negative connotations, as it suggests the deliberate creation of fear, often for manipulative or oppressive purposes.

What is the difference between "instilling fear" and "raising awareness"?

"Instilling fear" focuses on creating a sense of apprehension, while "raising awareness" aims to inform people about a situation without necessarily causing fear. The intent and emotional impact are key differentiators.